[Type text]

Thank you for calling the Bat Conservation Trust about the bat your cat caught.

Cats do not eat bats but they like to play with them. If a bat has been caught by a cat it will
need expert help from a trained bat carer as soon as possible. Even a tiny amount of cat saliva
in a bat's bloodstream can cause infection and without help they are likely to die. Cats will
often learn where a bat roost is and catch bats as they leave the roost, putting a whole colony
at risk.

By following a few simple steps responsible cat

owners can stop bats being harmed:

 Bring your cat indoors half an hour before sunset and

keep it in all night when bats are most active (April –
October).
 If you cannot keep your cat in all night, bring it in half
an hour before sunset and keep it in for an hour after
sunset.
 It is very important to keep cats indoors at night from
mid-June until the end of August because bats will be
looking after their babies.

If your cat often brings in bats he/she might have found a roost and may return to it.

Bat Carers estimate that over 30% of bats they rescue have
been attacked by cats.1

Only 14% of bats injured by cats are released. Over half

(56%) do not survive a cat attack and 30% cannot be returned
to the wild.2

What should I do if I find a bat on the ground?

Only handle the bat if you have to; as with any wild animal use
gloves or a tea towel to avoid getting bitten. Place the bat in a box
with small air holes in and put in a small, shallow container with a
few drops of water. Contact the Bat Conservation Trust Bat Helpline
for advice on 0345 1300 228.

__________________________________________________________________________
1 2
Jan Ragg (2001-2011) and Gail Armstrong (1997-2009). Gail Armstrong (1997-2009).

The Bat Conservation Trust (known as BCT) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1012361) and in
Scotland (SC040116). Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England No: 2712823. Registered office:
Quadrant House, 250 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5RD. Vat Reg No: 877158773.